Photo Gallery: Hospice of Iredell Butterfly Release

Posted at 8:43 PM on Sep 30, 2018

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Special to SVLfreenews.com

The Monarch butterfly served as a powerful and emotional symbol on Sunday afternoon for the hundreds of family members attending for Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County’s 13th Annual Butterfly Release.

“Monarch butterflies have long been symbolic of change and new beginnings — today you are here in celebration of life and in memory of loved ones,” HPCIC President and CEO Terri Phillips said to those gathered in the Sacred Garden at the Gordon Hospice House.

Nearly 400 butterflies were released during the ceremony, which included a chance for families to reflect on the memory of their loved ones.

“While your heart might ache with sadness, hospice is about hope and healing the spirit,” Phillips said.”To get through the hardest journey, we need only take one step at a time. Peace to you as you walk this journey — you are not alone.”

Bereavement coordinator Randy Berryhill read a poem before inviting attendees to release their butterflies. “Now fly away butterfly, as high as you can go, but know I’m right here with you, my love, in more ways than you can know."

Sunday’s ceremony also marked the 13th anniversary of the Gordon Hospice House, Iredell County’s only in-patient hospice unit. To learn more about the hospice house or other programs and services offered by HPCIC, visit www.hoic.org